MOTHERWELL manager Stuart McCall is open to extending his contract with the SPL leaders.

McCall's feat of leading Motherwell to the Scottish Cup final and Champions League qualifiers in his first 18 months in charge is sure to have alerted rival chairmen but the former Bradford manager insists he is not looking to move.

McCall, whose side defend their unbeaten SPL start at Aberdeen on Sunday, confirmed talks aimed at extending his contract beyond the end of the season would likely take place in the "next few weeks".

The former Scotland midfielder added: "I'm more than happy with the job I'm doing and the squad of players and staff I'm working with.

"Even as a player, if I was happy and enjoying coming into work, which I certainly am here, I don't have aspirations, I don't look higher, higher, higher.

"I'm in the SPL, at a terrific club like Motherwell, and I enjoy coming into work every day.

"I have nothing against thinking I will look to extend my contract."

McCall's contract situation mirrors most of his players and he admitted last week that he could lose a full team next summer.

But while he is realistic about the possibility of losing the likes of Darren Randolph and Nicky Law, he hopes the job satisfaction he enjoys could persuade some players to stay.

"Apparently I have taken a little bit of criticism about answering a question, but I think everyone knows loads are out of contract," McCall said.

"We have got players who have come up from down south and maybe wanting to come up for a couple of seasons, but again the grass isn't always greener.

"If you enjoy what you're doing, is it worth an extra 250 quid to move?"

Captain Keith Lasley and fellow long-serving team-mate Stevie Hammell both extended their contracts after last season ended and McCall hopes they might be able to tie some players down quicker this time round.

"The budget had to be slashed by 200 grand, that's why the Keith Lasley and Stevie Hammell saga took a bit longer, because other clubs in the SPL were willing to give them more money," he said.

"But thankfully their loyalty to Motherwell kept them here.

"It's a long way down the line but I'm sure there will be talks between now and Christmas.

"We have to be realistic, some players will move back down south, but this is where we have to bring in players who can hopefully do just as good a job."

Motherwell's opponents on Sunday offer a warning from history about the gamble managers take when they move on.

Aberdeen have not beaten Motherwell in the SPL since November 2008, before both Mark McGhee and Craig Brown swapped the Fir Park hot-seat for Pittodrie.

The Dons have not joined Motherwell in the top six in the three seasons since McGhee moved but McCall believes their opponents will be in the upper echelons this term.

"I certainly think the performances have been excellent, they have probably not got the results they have merited, especially at home," McCall said.

"They have had three nil-nils, which is quite unusual, but they are certainly creating chances.

"They are strong defensively and have added well to the squad.

"I'm sure Craig and Archie (Knox), without wanting to put pressure on their own squad, will be hoping and expecting to push for that second place.

"They have a really strong squad and it would be no surprise to me if they finish in second or third spot.